We live in a different world today than a generation ago. Terrorist attacks have become commonplace (Wikipedia lists 94 so far in July 2016), governments throughout the Middle East are being challenged (Turkey just survived a coup attempt), much of the world is either threatening Israel (Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, others) or turning its back (Europe, the United States and others), citizens in democratic societies are “demonstrating” to further selfish agendas (5 Dallas police officers were shot as “payback” and three other Baton Rouge police officers were targeted and killed a couple days later), and the world is becoming more and more void of true leadership.  The world is unraveling.

I could go on about “what ails us” on planet earth today.  But the fact is simple: the forces of evil and darkness are boldly making their final push to derail God’s plan of world redemption!

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
~Ephesians 6:12

Most certainly, the “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” are working in and through all the chaos of this world.  The enemy of our soul knows that his days are numbered and the battle is lost.  His only consolation is to disrupt God’s ultimate plan and drag as many .human souls to hell with him as he possibly can. Though he seems to be winning these days, we must remember that our God who sits on the throne does not slumber or sleep.  (Psalm 121:3)

I suspect there is a Christian reading this today who feels crushed or defeated by powers of darkness.  The Lord is your keeper and your shield.  The Lord will keep you from all evil and will guard your going out and your coming in.  Read all of Psalm 121.  Though written for Israel, it is full of principles that apply to every child of God.  Take heart, my friend, as the Lord will defend you.

On the other hand, if you are reading this blog and do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our Keeper and Shield, please stick with me here!  Demonic powers are real, and they can impact those who do not have the protection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  If you are feeling hopelessly crushed by evil and darkness, or you are trying to escape evil and darkness, I have good news for you!  The Light of the world is Jesus Christ and darkness MUST flee at His presence.

You can have a relationship with Jesus Christ right now, and be freed from the powers of darkness!  Take 3 minutes to watch this video and invite Jesus to become your Keeper and your Shield…your Savior.  It is the most important thing you will ever do.  In fact, it is more important than your next breath of air!

Amidst all the chaos in the world, our Lord has spoken comforting words to us through the apostle John:

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
~John 14:1-6

Dear friends, I can’t help but think that the place prepared for us is ready, and Jesus is simply awaiting word from His Father to “go get His kids!”  Jesus is the ONLY way, the ONLY truth, and the ONLY life, and He is coming back soon to take us to the place He has prepared.  Soon and very soon, we will leave this chaotic world and will be forever home with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  Rejoice!

PS: Check in again tomorrow. I heard a very interesting quote by a TV news personality last weekend that causes me to ponder.  Come ponder with me!